Why St. Francis de Sales School?

St. Francis allowed me to meet new people that I would have never talked to otherwise. I have friends for life that I know will be able to keep our strong relationship long after graduation. I chose St. Francis for the academics (Fr. Z's class allowed me to get ahead 2 years in math) but this school is so much more than that. An example of this Brotherhood is found in the connection and network of alumni. I was able to shadow a graduate to understand what he does for work and determine what I want to study and pursue professionally. Without that interaction I am not sure that I would have chosen to study finance. I have had an amazing experience learning from some of the best teachers I have ever had, and I have developed into more than just a good student, but a well-rounded man taught in the Salesian values this school engrains into every student.

My experience at St. Francis has had a strong and lasting impact on my life. It has helped shape me into a good and faithful man who understands the value of hard work and perseverance. Through this experience, I’ve learned how to stay focused on my goals and confidently chase my dreams. The lessons I’ve gained have influenced both my character and my work ethic in a positive way.

St. Francis has given me so many opportunities to succeed and has opened so many doors in life that will help me toward my success in the future. The brotherhood isn't just a trademark, it's a real tangible thing here at St. Francis and I'll be forever thankful for it.

I came to SFS without any goals. I didn't know who I was, what I wanted, or where I would be going in life. By the end of it all I have clear answers to all of those things. I used to be timid and afraid. Now I'm confident when needed but still able to be humble. St. Francis gave me room to grow into myself while still having a strong foundation to fall onto. The greatest thing about SFS is the relationships I built.

My experience at St. Francis de Sales has shaped me into the man I am today. Without the school on Bancroft I don’t know where I would be.

It felt as if St. Francis had taken me, picked me up, put me on my feet and sent me in the right direction. This school has helped me build an identity for myself and find who I strive to be. The person I am today and the time I’ve spent here at St. Francis can be compared to a puzzle. Every day here at St. Francis is a piece in that puzzle. Day by day the pieces start coming together and forming the puzzle as a whole. This puzzle is like my identity as a person. With each new day spent at St. Francis my own self becomes more and more complete.

St. Francis has fostered an excellent work ethic and strong faith in my life. The support and care from classmates and teachers is so meaningful as well.

St. Francis changed who I am as a person and strengthened my faith in Jesus. SFS helped me realize there is more to life than just hobbies I enjoy.

St. Francis has taught me a lot of things that would be beneficial for me in life. Especially through musical, it helped me become more social and gave me the confidence to network. It helped me express myself and create lifelong friendships. The Salesian initiatives of servant leadership, authentic relationship, and humble confidence have stuck with me and shall be applied in my life.

"When I shadowed at St. Francis, I felt and saw something I had never felt or seen before. It was how all the guys would talk and act like brothers, like a family in hallways and in the classrooms, and the teachers were there for the guys when they needed them. I could feel the bond. When I left 2323 West Bancroft Street that day, I said to my parents I think I found my home. During my time at St. Francis, I have been a part of many things such as student council, multiple sports, and clubs that I would have never expected myself to be involved in. The majority of things went well but sometimes did not work out as planned. I knew however the outcome played out my brothers would ALWAYS have my back. For all students and alumni, we are all brothers united by this great school that we get to call home. Challenges in life will come and go but the friendships and bonds that you made and will make now will always be a part of our lives." 

"St. Francis impacted my life in a big way and helped shape my attitude and outlook towards different people. St. Francis strives to push you from a boy into a successful young adult. It made me a better person. It showed me that there will always be opportunities out there and that God is always in your life. The place is awesome and I wouldn’t change it. It creates brotherhood and bonds that will last a lifetime. It made me less shy and more observant to the outside world."

"My experience at SFS has been great. I came in not knowing who I really was, but after these four years I have become the man I want to be for the rest of my life."

"St. Francis has shown me how to persevere when faced with challenges. I was always one of the smartest kids in my classes throughout elementary school. But once I reached St. Francis, I was faced with difficult classes and classmates who showed incredible knowledge. I wasn’t jealous of this but was more so amazed and inspired to be better. I learned to let go of my pride and rely on the people around me when I needed help."

"The St. Francis experience impacted me by modeling the kind of man I should be. It gave me examples of virtues and values that I should and did integrate into my life. Furthermore, it gave me the opportunity to find my passions and expand my academic prowess. It also connected me with beneficial resources through alumni, public figures, and my classmates."

"St. Francis helped me grow out of my social comfort zone. I have met a ton of people. I also have been challenged to do more, whether it was with talking to teachers, or going to meetings, or joining the Salesian Leadership class. These things, while they were scary at first, helped me realize that I am able to communicate with others more than I think. I also realized that I shouldn’t be afraid of new opportunities. St. Francis also gave me the most important relationship, God. The opportunities that St. Francis has given me but also the tough times at SFS have helped me grow my relationship with God."

"St. Francis has shown me what true friendship is and how strong the bond between a group of men can be."

"SFS is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.  If I could experience this brotherhood again for the first time, I without a doubt would." 

"I am confident that I will be successful in the future and can proudly say that St. Francis has made this possible."

"I have fallen in love with this school and the people within its walls.  I cannot imagine my life without this school or its community."

"St. Francis gave me the opportunity to be successful and have my dream college accept me."